Building Bridges Across Seas: Largest Showing of International Navy Ships in Singapore

President Tony Tan Keng Yam reviewed the inaugural Singapore International Maritime Review (IMR) at RSS Singapura -- Changi Naval Base this morning. The IMR was attended by 46 warships and four aircraft, as well as more than 30 navy chiefs, vice navy chiefs and directors-general of coast guards, and more than 40 flag rank officers, from 44 participating nations.

Speaking at the review, President Tan said that, "The gathering of navies around the world for the first Singapore IMR is a testament to the strong friendships and extensive network Singapore enjoys across the world." He added that, "To ensure a stable maritime order as well as safe and secure seas, multilateral cooperation is key", and he commended the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) for having built up this strong and well-connected network of partnerships with like-minded navies. 

Following an inspection of the parade contingents, which comprised personnel from the RSN and foreign navies, President Tan conducted a land review of the berthed warships. Thereafter, President Tan boarded the recently commissioned Littoral Mission Vessel, RSS Independence, for the sea review of warships anchored off the base.

The participating countries with warships on display include ASEAN Member States, as well as countries from the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting--Plus grouping and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium.

During the parade, President Tan also named Changi Naval Base "RSS Singapura -- Changi Naval Base", which will serve as a reminder to RSN personnel of the RSN's heritage and vital role in defending Singapore.

The Singapore IMR was held as part of the RSN's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Also present were Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Maliki bin Osman, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces.

Enlarged infographic on IMR 2017

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Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam, at the Singapore International Maritime Review Parade 2017